Of his own accord he brought us into being through the message of truth, so that we might be a kind of first-fruits among his creatures.

For every kind of animal and bird, reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by man,

Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grape vine figs? A salt spring cannot give fresh water.

You crave things, and cannot have them, and so you commit murder. You covet things, and cannot get them, and so you quarrel and fight. You do not have things because you do not ask for them.

Why, we call those who showed such endurance happy! You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen what the Lord brought out of it, for the Lord is very kind and merciful.